Ball Joint Securing Means for Wiper Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball joints for motor vehicle wiper systems lack a cost-effective and secure mechanism to prevent the ball head from being inadvertently removed from the ball shell, leading to potential assembly and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A ball joint design featuring a plastics or sheet metal securing means, such as a U-shaped clamp or groove-shaped element, that engages around the hinged rod to block the opening of the ball shell, ensuring the ball head cannot be removed once inserted, combined with a seal to prevent fluid leakage and a retaining projection for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball head is inserted into a ball shell without a securing mechanism, then the assembly is simple and cost-effective, but the ball head can be inadvertently removed leading to assembly and operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a securing means (such as a clamp or retaining ring) that engages with the hinged rod, and a blocking element that reduces the opening to a blocking distance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable security without requiring a complex integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means is designed to be installed in advance on the hinged rod, creating a pre-prepared securing structure. The ball head is then inserted and automatically secured by the pre-positioned blocking element, which reduces the opening to a blocking distance. This preliminary action ensures security is established before operation begins.
2Reliability
If a securing means is added to prevent ball head removal, then reliability improves, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured from standard materials such as plastics or sheet metal. The U-shaped clamp or groove-shaped element requires minimal processing and can be produced using common manufacturing methods, keeping costs low while providing effective security against inadvertent removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it engages around the hinged rod to provide structural support, reduces the opening to a blocking distance to prevent ball head removal, and can incorporate features like shaped portions for easy latching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
3Reliability
If the opening of the ball shell is reduced to a blocking distance, then the ball head is securely retained, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The securing means incorporates dynamic features that facilitate easy assembly. The blocking element is designed to be flexible or movable during the assembly process, allowing the ball head to be inserted with minimal force. Once assembled, the blocking element maintains its position to reduce the opening to a blocking distance, ensuring secure retention. This dynamic design enables simple assembly while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means acts as an intermediary element between the ball shell and the ball head. It provides a mediating mechanism that reduces the opening to a blocking distance without requiring direct modification of either the ball shell or ball head. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring secure retention.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ball joint (10) for a wiper system, comprising a ball shell (12), a ball head (14) within the ball shell (12), a hinged rod (16) into which the ball shell (12) is inserted, and a securing means (18), wherein the securing means (18) engages around the hinged rod (16), in order to reduce an opening (20) in the ball shell (12) to a blocking distance (d), such that the ball head (15) can be removed from the ball shell (12). The invention further relates to a method for assembling the ball joint (10).